Tasting Notes: Dining — Si Casa Flores

Thursday

Feb 7, 2013 at 8:20 AM

More authentic Mexican fare can be had in Phoenix, but this chain of three locally owned restaurants lays claim to a decade as the Rogue Valley's favorite, according to an annual poll of Mail Tribune readers.

Cuisine and scene: More authentic Mexican fare can be had in Phoenix, but this chain of three locally owned restaurants lays claim to a decade as the Rogue Valley's favorite, according to an annual poll of Mail Tribune readers. Seventeen years ago, Gregorio Rodriguez chose Ashland for his first Si Casa Flores location — no longer in business — before opening the Phoenix restaurant in 2006. He cites family recipes from Mexico's state of Jalisco for Si Casa's success.

Recommended: Super Nachos Ole, with grilled jalapeños, onions and chipotle-spiced chicken — not to mention sautéed mushrooms, beans, black olives, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole — fill a platter so hearty it could feed an entire family; other popular items include chicken and beef fajitas and chimichangas and lobster enchiladas.

Beverages: House chardonnay and syrah are locally made and available by the glass and bottle; other Oregon and imported wines by the glass and bottle; Mexican and domestic, draft and bottled beers; house-made sangria, specialty cocktails and full bar; fountain sodas and lemonade; tea, hot chocolate and milk.